12 Shocking Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

Here’s the thing. I’ve heard from countless Hypothyroid Mom readers who have no idea gluten sensitivity could be a factor in their hypothyroidism. What is particularly interesting about this list of gluten sensitivity symptoms is that each and every one of them is also a potential symptom of hypothyroidism. Hmmm…

I wonder just how many hypothyroid people have gluten sensitivity. I suspect there are many more than we even imagine.

Written by Jennifer Fugo, MS, CHC

Have you ever felt like doctors don’t take you seriously? You know that something is wrong with your health, but your practitioner is too quick to dismiss the concerns you experience. Through your own research you stumble upon this concept called gluten intolerance and realize that all of the signs of gluten sensitivity listed are identical to what you’re experiencing.

When I was in college, I too chased after elusive answers regarding my health while every doctor I saw felt my case wasn’t worth the time. A total of seven different doctors over the course of two years attributed my undiagnosed gluten intolerance (at the time) to other seemingly unrelated individual symptoms that got me nowhere.

All of my severe symptoms that were actually related to gluten were boiled down to “being a typical female college student” (what does that even mean?!), chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic migraines, and one doctor even said I was just being paranoid.

Their solution was to throw medication at the various problems which included sleeping pills, separate anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants. Despite my persistent prodding for real answers and diagnostic testing, these common “fixes” were equivalent to placing the tiniest band-aid over a gaping wound—I was not being helped, healed, or listened to.

Can you relate to my experience? Sadly, I’ve found this rings true for many people out there who remained undiagnosed with gluten sensitivity for years and were given false answers that led nowhere. If you still don’t have all of your answers, know that you may exhibit one or several nagging and debilitating symptoms that many medical practitioners don’t attribute to a very possible root cause of gluten intolerance or sensitivity. What’s worse, you’re more likely to be left in the dark without answers if you aren’t experiencing gastrointestinal related symptoms like diarrhea.

12 Shocking Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity and intolerance can manifest as much more than just IBS-like symptoms and stomach problems. That’s why doctors are more likely to dismiss the idea that you even have this because if they don’t hear about digestive problems as your chief complaint, then it must be something else.

It can be an exclusively neurological disease for many. In 2013, an in-depth study by a team of researchers including renowned Dr. Alessio Fasano stated that, “Both Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity may present with a variety of neurologic and psychiatric co-morbidities, however, extraintestinal symptoms (outside of the digestive system) may be the prime presentation in those with gluten sensitivity. However, gluten sensitivity remains under-treated and under-recognized as a contributing factor to psychiatric and neurologic manifestations.” (source)

It’s very important to note that not all cases of neurological symptoms are caused by gluten. However, issues like depression and anxiety which are not typically linked directly to gluten consumption CAN be signs of gluten sensitivity for some. Too often, pain killers and prescriptions are thrown at patients when no clear diagnosis is made, missing the real cause behind the symptoms bubbling up on the surface.

The bottom line is that gluten sensitivity can affect processes in the body beyond the digestive tract, wreaking havoc on your skin (our largest organ!), joints, bones, mouth, endocrine system and more. Your myriad of symptoms that don’t make sense to the doctor may mean that they’ve no clue that you’re reporting back to them the signs of gluten sensitivity. The current model of medicine treats symptoms rather than looking for the underlying cause which further explains why doctors are quick to prescribe medication that might ease only your momentary suffering. But it certainly doesn’t excuse the lack of education and openmindedness that would serve patients better if they knew more about the interaction between food and the body.

If you don’t feel listened to, then it may be time to find a new doctor. Jennifer eventually found a doctor who listened and told her she needed to stop eating gluten—for good. In a mere two weeks off gluten, all her plaguing symptoms began to cease and things she didn’t realize were actual problems with her body started to clear up, including achy joints (at age 21 no less!), muscle spasms, strange tingling sensations, and random dizziness.

And for all the doubters out there,gluten sensitivity is oh so very real.

Here’s a checklist of some of the surprising symptoms and signs that have been linked to gluten sensitivity and make sure to work with a qualified health professional to get tested.

1. Depression and Anxiety

Depression is a serious health concern for many people. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest, low energy, appetite changes, sleep changes, anger, and more. Some patients do require medication to correct persistent imbalances with depression. However, often underlying causes of depression are not investigated. Research now confirms that Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are linked to depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Once gluten is removed from the diet in the gluten sensitive, depression and anxiety can actually be resolved.

Symptoms of anxiety often go hand in hand with depression which makes it very hard to relax and think clearly. Some may experience sensations of panic, loss of control, heart racing, chest pains, trouble breathing or feelings of passing out. Anxiety attacks can even mimic heart attacks so it’s important to be aware of the distinction.

2. ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects children and adults alike, but many don’t make the connection of their symptoms to diet. Dr. Ron Hoggan, Ed.D, co-author of the best selling book, “Cereal Killers,” wrote an article on Celiac.com citing several studies linking ADHD and gluten together. He states, “The concept of drugging a child to facilitate learning is upsetting to me, especially when there is cause to suspect that, on the gluten free diet, she may improve without intervention.” (source)

And by intervention, Dr. Hoggan is referring to medicinal intervention. Alternative approaches address food sensitivities and intolerance as a root cause of behavioral disorders. This follows the line of research and treatment that Dr. Charles Parker uses to treat patients in his psychiatric practice. He first looks at the gut because neurotransmitters are produced directly by what’s broken down in the digestive system. Leaky gut can facilitate a number of mental health issues because gluten and other food proteins are essentially sneaking into the body where they don’t belong.

3. Brain Fog

Being unable to think clearly is just as stifling as it sounds. When you feel disconnected or just plain “out of it”, it might not be all in your head.

Gluten can have the affect known as “foggy brain” in sensitive individuals. While it can be difficult to quantify gluten induced “brain fog”, researchers in a 2002 study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found that there may be significant cross reactivity of IgG antibodies to gluten and other different antibodies that could result in mental fogginess. These antibodies can also cause inflammation which can further exacerbate the condition.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

Gluten consumption has been linked to numerous autoimmune diseases. Sarah Ballantyne PhD, author of The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body, says, “Every single autoimmune disease in which gluten as a contributor has been investigated has shown that gluten sensitivity is a contributor to that disease.” Scary right? But luckily, making the connection is the first step towards better health.

It’s even possible to know if autoimmune issues are brewing years before they bubble up to the surface and you end up with a diagnosis. This gives you time to make nutritional and lifestyle adjustments that can impact whether you eventually develop a full-blown autoimmune disorder.

5. Low Immunity

If you’re prone to frequently getting sick, you should consider gluten to potentially be an issue.

The first sign of my gluten intolerance was an extremely depressed IgA result in testing I completed in early 2008 before I had any idea of what was wrong.

To break this down into simpler terms, IgA is a class of antibodies in your body that exist primarily in saliva, tears and in the gastrointestinal tract (though some do exist in the blood). Think of them as your first line of defense when a cold comes knocking at your door. When you’re sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, one sign is a depressed level of IgA antibodies meaning that you don’t have the proper defenses in place to keep you well.

Believe it or not, IgA deficiency is “the most common immunodeficiency in Caucasians” occurring at a rate of 1 in 600. It is seen in many autoimmune diseases including the thyroid condition known as Graves’ disease, Lupus, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. (source)

6. Dental Issues

Cavities, canker sores (mouth ulcers) broken teeth, and tooth decay can plague those with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity as well as Celiac disease. A 2009 study published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology (source) found a positive link between gluten sensitivity and recurrent mouth ulcers, of which I personally experienced growing up (Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, or RAS).

Calcium levels of gluten sensitive individuals can be staggeringly low due to malabsorption, which can lead to weak bones and teeth. Dr. Kim Millman MD is a big supporter of requesting a DEXA scan, which measures bone density. It’s a reliable way of determining your calcium levels and overall bone health, since Dr. Millman also states that calcium levels in blood work aren’t at all reliable.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Can’t keep your weight in check? A sudden or even gradual change in weight while eating habits remain more or less unchanged can be an indicator of a bigger health problem.

For some with malabsorption and gut permeability due to gluten intolerance or sensitivity, unwanted weight loss despite regular calorie intake can have dangerous effects. On the other hand, gluten can trigger systemic inflammation in the body that mimics stubborn weight gain. Removing gluten for good and healing the gut with a healthy diet can restore weight to healthy normal levels.

Another point to consider is that the type of gut bacteria living in your digestive system can play a direct role in your body’s ability to stay at a healthy weight. Brenda’s Watson, CNC shares that a even just a 7-day round of antibiotics can negatively alter gut bacteria for up to two years. Keep in mind that chronic candida (yeast) infections can also play a role in weight gain and loss.

8. Migraine Headaches

According to Mark Hyman MD, a leader in functional medicine and eight-time New York Times bestselling author, over 10 million Americans suffer from migraines. Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine knows how seriously painful they can be.

While not all cases of migraines are related to gluten, it’s been linked as a significant cause for some. In a study that measured migraine headaches in gluten sensitive individuals, chronic headaches were reported in 56% percent of those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, 30 percent of those with Celiac disease, and 23 percent of those with inflammatory bowel disease. Only 14 percent of those in a control group reported headaches. (source)

Meanwhile Dr. Alessio Fasano, medical director of the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, states that a 100% gluten-free diet can relieve many cases of chronic migraines.

9. Skin Problems

From eczema and acne to psoriasis and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), gluten can cause some extremely uncomfortable skin issues. Basically inflammation under the top layers of skin can occur and cause eruptions of rashes, itchiness, burning, redness, and even painful blisters.

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) describes the severe rash of DH as “a chronic disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters that may resemble pimples or blisters. The ingestion of gluten (from wheat, rye, and barley) triggers an immune system response that deposits a substance, lgA (Immunoglobulin A), under the top layer of skin. IgA is present in affected as well as unaffected skin…” GIG goes on to state that, “If you have DH, you always have gluten intolerance.” (source)

Eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes and your thyroid, is there a connection? Your thyroid is well known for regulating your body temperature and metabolism. But there’s way more behind the scenes at play. Thyroid hormones have receptor sites in every cell in your body; meaning an underactive thyroid has the potential to disrupt cell metabolism and detox throughout your body. There are two major ways your thyroid and skin health are related.

10. Hormonal Imbalance and Adrenal Fatigue

Hormone imbalance can manifest itself as irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain or loss, hot flashes, low energy levels, erratic sleep patterns and more. In discussing gluten sensitivity and female hormones, Dr. Daniel Kalish D.C states that “a strong relationship has been established in medical literature between gluten sensitivity and the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Additionally, most of my patients with gluten sensitivity have an adrenal hormone imbalance, and this becomes exacerbated for patients during menopause…” (source)

Dr. Kalish notes that he’s “…observed serious problems often begin to reveal themselves when women with gluten sensitivity reach peri-menopause. As their ovarian output of sex hormones drops, the resulting hormone imbalance is worsened by over consumption of gluten. The adrenal glands respond to the stress of unstable blood sugar and gastrointestinal tract inflammation caused by gluten by increasing cortisol. This causes increased body fat, fatigue and unstable moods.”

11. Joint and Muscle Aches

Got joint and muscle aches? Gluten’s damaging inflammation in susceptible individuals can cause flares and pain. WebMD states that, “Joint pain and inflammation are (also) common symptoms of gluten sensitivity. And research does show links between the two diseases.” The Arthritis Foundation has also published information regarding the link between gluten sensitivity, joint pain, and arthritis conditions.

12. Extreme Fatigue

Do you feel like you can never sleep enough? The reason I sought medical help initially was because I could sleep up to 11 hours and still wake up exhausted and feeling like I was drugged. Though I did have gastrointestinal issues, my extreme exhaustion seemed more pressing. Since removing gluten, I can get up daily at 5:45 am without an alarm and no need for caffeine.

So even if you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, waking up feeling exhausted means that something’s up. Gluten can contribute to feelings of sluggishness and tiredness in several different ways. When your body is in a state of inflammation and spending resources dealing with gluten proteins, it’s at the expense of available energy stores and normal bodily processes.

About Jennifer Fugo, MS, CHC

Jennifer Fugo is a clinical nutritionist with a Master’s in Human Nutrition as well as a trained wellness coach and yoga instructor. Jennifer is a sought-after expert about healthy, gluten-free living as well as a speaker who has been featured on Doctor Oz, Yahoo! News, eHow, CNN, and Huffington Post. She is author of the book The Savvy Gluten-Free Shopper: How to Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank.

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Dana Trentini B.S. summa cum laude, M.A., Ed.M., founded Hypothyroid Mom October 2012 in memory of the unborn baby she lost to hypothyroidism. This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting your physician regarding medical advice pertaining to your health. Hypothyroid Mom includes affiliate links including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Connect with Dana on Google+

Comments

Your article was very insightful, I was diagnosed with celiac’s 4 years ago, and could tell a difference almost immediately, would love to know how long I really had it and just brushed it off as IBS 🙁 My question is, I still have joint pain, exhaustion, weight gain and a few of the other things in your article………..yes I’m 55 and still going through menopause (hopefully on the tail end) so unsure if it’s that or can you still have the issues that go along with celiac’s even if you maintain a gluten free diet?

This is a great article and so true. I had extreme fatigue, weird rashes, significant joint pain and major stomach issues. I still ran marathons despite all of these issues but when I collapsed after running a half marathon I knew it was time to figure out what was going on. The extreme fatigue was debilitating at times. I went for a physical and blood screen. My blood showed NO iron and my thyroid had concerning numbers. We fixed the iron with daily iron pills I still take 6 years later. After my doctor wanted to know the cause of the iron deficiency, my gluten allergy was diagnosed with a colonoscopy and endoscopy. And finally they found my hypothyroidism once I became gluten free and managed my iron. It took less than 2 weeks to feel like a different person. I can get a good night sleep and feel I like I actually slept. The fatigue is significantly less and my marathon running which I love is enjoyable again. Thank you for this article and all links. They are very helpful.

After reading “Wheat Belly”, I decided to see if gluten was the culprit for a myriad of health issues I was experiencing. Bingo! I’ve been gluten-free for almost 10 years. For the first few years I ate a little gluten and told people I was about 80% gluten free…which is like being a little bit pregnant. I finally went total gf about 8 years ago…and I have never looked back. My life improved 100%. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten accidentally “glutened” a few times which causes me to feel pretty bad. I never made the connection until I started reading and gathering more information about the effects of gluten on the body… I just thought it was IBS, food poisoning or gastrointestinal bug. Now I know. Knowledge is power! Thank God for all who have shared their experiences through their posts!!!

I loved this article. I have suffered with Anxiety and panic disorder for 17 years. I cut out caffeine about 5 years ago and never really thought about anything else I put in my mouth up until a month ago. I cut gluten completely out of my diet completely (my mom aunt and grandmother are all intolerant) and I wanted to see if it might make me feel feel better. After about 2 weeks I said to my husband “I haven’t had an anxiety attack in about a week” So then I started doing some research on anxiety and gluten and WOW!!! I never would have linked the two together. So I tested this theory and decided to indulge that following Sunday. It had been about 3 weeks at that point since I had any gluten so I ate pizza and crackers and bread. and whatever my kids were eating that day. The next day I felt soooooo awful. Full fledged panic attacks. It was like my anxiety came back ten times worse. Could not believe it. Its nice to see that there are things like your article that can give us panic induced group a little relief so we can do other things besides meds to help ward off the anxiety naturally

Thank you for this information. I eliminated gluten from my diet almost two years ago when I reached my limit with the doctors. All they wanted to do was prescribe medicines. After about a month without gluten, my skin (eczema) and my stomach were 100 times better. Every time I think “maybe it’s not gluten” and I eat something I shouldn’t, the symptoms come back and they are worse than before. I wish everyone would consider trying the gluten-free diet. It’s so worth it.

Yes,yes,yes. I was diagnosed with celiac 4 years ago. Recently both of my daughters (26 &31) were diagnosed with hashimotos. Their antibody levels were sky high. Upon getting mine checked, they were only 60. I attribute this to my eating gluten free. Spending all my free time nagging my daughters of the evil I call gluten. Great article, informative and one I will share. Thank you